Today’s top stories…Bin strike win

Our UNITElive top news story of August 2 is the great result for around 150 South Gloucestershire bin workers ending their strike after Unite secured an improved pay offer. 

Voting in favour of the new offer, the workers employed by Suez will receive a 10.1 per cent rise.  

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham hailed the result saying, “This is a well-deserved result and more evidence that Unite’s focus on enhancing jobs, pay and conditions is winning for our members.” 

Gatwick strikes off – for now   

Earlier today (August 2) UNITElive heard planned strikes by Unite members employed by GGS, on the British Airways contract at Gatwick Airport were off this weekend as workers have voted for an improved pay offer of 10.3 per cent and a significant market rate adjustment in their shift pay.

Also pleased with our members’ steadfastness was Unite GS Sharon Graham who commented, “This is a significant pay increase for workers at GGS. From the outset our members have been rock solid in their determination to secure a fair pay increase which has resulted in a just settlement.”

But despite this weekend’s strike action being called off, further strikes could still loom. Unite members at three companies including Red Handling, ground handlers for three airlines including Delta, Wilson James who provide assistance to passengers, and DHL Gatwick Direct, have all voted for industrial action in pay disputes.

If strikes do go ahead, substantial disruption and delays will follow, said Unite regional officer Dominic Rothwell. “Further strikes will be called in the near future unless the companies concerned make vastly improved offers which meet our members’ expectations,” he said.

GPs’ college strike looms

Over 100 non-medical workers responsible for the day-to-day running of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) started their for industrial action over pay from today (August 2).

Unite members have rejected a seven per cent offer, which has not increased except for an additional £400 one off payment, despite several rounds of negotiations, including at the conciliation service Acas. This is despite the RCGP finishing the financial year £1.4m ahead of budget. The ballot ends on August 29.

Unite GS Sharon Graham commented, “The college’s motto translates to ‘compassion with knowledge’. Well, it should know enough to realise these workers are struggling with rising bills and treat them properly. Unite’s members at the college will receive their union’s unwavering support.”

Cooper Roller Bearings pay strike

And at Cooper Roller Bearings in Kings Lynn over 100 workers are to strike over pay, it was announced earlier today.

Unite members have rejected a 5.5 per cent pay offer, with a ‘strings attached’ performance related bonus of up to six per cent. The firm made a pre-tax profit in excess of £7m in the year ending 31 December 2022.

“Cooper Roller Bearings brings in millions and can easily improve on its strings attached offer,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham. “Our members at Cooper Roller Bearings have their union’s total backing in striking for a fair pay rise.”

Industrial action will start on August 21.

Compiled by Amanda Campbell